Hokage Building.
"Lord Natsume, everything's been handled."
Kurenai Yuhi bent slightly and gathered the files on the desk. At this distance, Natsume couldn't help catching the view from her side—and a refreshing fragrance.
"Roses?"
Natsume asked out of the blue.
"Huh?"
Kurenai didn't catch on at first, but noticing his gaze, her heart skipped.
"I just smelled a rose scent."
Natsume smiled. "Must be from you, Kurenai?"
"Rose perfume."
Kurenai blinked.
"Roses? Kurenai, do you like someone?"
Natsume's lips curled. "If you do, I can help."
"No!"
Kurenai looked a bit flustered and shook her head quickly.
"No?"
Natsume tested the waters. "What's your standard for a boyfriend?"
Kurenai paused. Does he have something in mind? She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear to hide her unease.
"Why ask?"
"Just curious."
Natsume said casually. "I want to know what kind of man a great beauty like you would like."
Kurenai grew extremely nervous. What did he mean? Did he mean anything at all?
"I don't have a high bar—someone who treats me and my mother well."
Mother?
Natsume had no particular impression. He only remembered her father, Shinku Yūhi, died in the Nine-Tails' rampage.
"Kurenai, that's practical."
Natsume thought it over—it wasn't unreasonable. In the original story, she wasn't very active, focusing on being a good wife and mother.
Kurenai fell silent, then said, "I worry that if something happens to me, no one will take care of my mother."
"Sorry."
Sensing her mood dip, Natsume apologized. "I didn't mean it."
Seeing him so serious and careful, Kurenai smiled—it really did make him seem like a younger brother, not the Hokage.
"Do you like anyone, Lord Natsume?"
She steadied her heartbeat and asked.
"I'm quite fond of my teacher."
Natsume thought. "Beautiful, bold and generous, and great figure."
Kurenai's eyes widened. She assumed he meant he liked Tsunade's type, not Tsunade herself—given their relationship and generations. Still, those three criteria… she fit them perfectly. As for saying great figure, from others it might sound sleazy; from Natsume, it felt genuine.
Kurenai gripped the files tighter. If it were true, should she say yes?
She didn't feel love, but she did have a favorable impression. With such an exceptional young man, how could she not have had thoughts? She felt she wouldn't refuse.
Thinking that, a blush rose to her cheeks.
"Lord Natsume, want to clock out together?"
Head down, eyes on the files, she asked.
Natsume was about to agree when the door opened and Yamanaka Ino burst in.
"Natsume-kun…"
Only then did she notice Kurenai. She paused. "Kurenai-nee."
"Ino."
Kurenai felt a bit of loss. Such a hard-won chance—interrupted. Natsume really was popular. A sense of crisis stirred, but she still didn't act; competing openly with a younger girl wasn't something she could do yet, and she worried it would turn Natsume off. He'd just said he liked bold, generous women, after all.
"Lord Hokage, I'll take my leave."
Kurenai bowed slightly and left with grace. Competing face-to-face with a girl—she couldn't bring herself to do it, not yet.
"Natsume-kun, I learned Chakra Scalpel!"
After Kurenai closed the door, Ino rushed up, beaming.
"Congrats."
Seeing her lively, youthful look, Natsume praised, "At your age, mastering it makes you a genius."
"Compared to you, I'm far behind."
Ino was modest, but she couldn't suppress her joy. Praise from anyone was nice—but from Natsume-kun? She couldn't help it.
"I can't do medical ninjutsu."
Natsume, almost on reflex, reached out and pinched her cheek. Only after doing it did he realize the issue—this wasn't Hinata.
Ino froze, face flushing scarlet. Though close, they'd rarely had such intimate contact. That move wasn't within her expectations.
"Sorry."
Natsume withdrew his hand. "You were just too cute, I couldn't help it."
"N-no problem."
Head lowered, voice trembling, Ino murmured, "I… like it."
The last bit was almost inaudible—but Natsume, with his keen senses, heard it clearly. He ruffled her hair. Ino's body went taut, heart pounding. Unlike Hinata, she didn't faint. Instead, a surge of indescribable joy washed over her.
Yes! I'm going to win him! Faster than Sakura!
Ino couldn't stop smiling. "N-Natsume-kun, want to walk home together?"
"I was just about to clock out."
Natsume tidied the desk. "Let's go."
He hadn't managed to accept Kurenai's offer, but walking with Ino wasn't bad either.
They left the Hokage building. Natsume had been using Flying Thunder God so much he hadn't strolled in a while—walking felt nice for a change.
Ino walked on his left, eyes drifting to his hand. So nice… I want to hold it. She bit her lip, hesitating. A carriage approached. Ino grabbed his hand and tugged him back a step. "Careful, Natsume-kun."
Having mustered the courage for that key step, she'd reached her limit.
"Thanks."
Natsume smiled. Ino's hand was soft and slightly sweaty—warm. Compared to Hinata's shyness, Ino was more proactive, similar to Sakura. In the original, both girls had pursued Sasuke quite directly.
"I-it's nothing."
Seeing he didn't let go, Ino felt a secret joy. The result was worth the fright.
They walked hand-in-hand for a bit before Ino hurriedly let go—two familiar faces were approaching.
"Lord Hokage!"
Shikamaru straightened from his usual slouch and bowed.
"L-Lord Hokage."
Choji was more casual, munching chips as he greeted.
"Done with class?"
Natsume nodded.
"Yeah, we got out early."
Shikamaru relaxed again and glanced at Ino. If he wasn't mistaken, they'd been holding hands. Something's going on. If they could secure the Hokage, it'd be huge for the Ino-Shika-Cho trio.
"Choji and I will grab food—won't bother you two."
He grabbed Choji and took off. Ino's face went bright red, but seeing Natsume unfazed, she brightened again.
"Natsume-kun, want to eat at my place?"
"Another day."
He thought for a moment.
"Okay!"
Ino wasn't disappointed. Her nerves settled and she acted more naturally. They chatted and laughed along the way.
"Bye, Natsume-kun!"
"Mm."
Watching her light, quick steps, Natsume smiled, then used Flying Thunder God to return home.
…
"Sis."
He called while changing shoes.
"Heard you."
Tsunade answered casually.
Natsume walked in to find her sunk into the sofa—her full figure making the scene striking. He lifted her feet, sat down, then set her jade-like feet on his thigh, gently stroking the tops.
"Did Jiraiya come see you today?"
She rolled from her side onto her back, eyes on Natsume, smiling. His expression was so earnest and careful—she loved being treated like a treasure.
"No."
Natsume shook his head. "When did he get back?"
At that, Tsunade's expression soured—clearly, Jiraiya didn't fully trust her words or Natsume. Was Mount Myoboku really more important than Konoha? To doubt even the Hokage?
"Do you know why Jiraiya's been running all over the world these years?"
She trusted Natsume unconditionally, even if Jiraiya didn't.
"No."
Natsume shook his head. "I'm curious. A mission from Lord Third?"
"A mission from Mount Myoboku."
Tsunade sighed. "He's been chasing the Great Toad Sage's prophecy—looking for the Child of Prophecy who'll save the shinobi world."
"Has he found them?"
Natsume held her ankle, feeling her delicate skin, then scratched her sole.
"It tickles!"
Tsunade shivered and shot him a look, her toes curling from the sensation.
"Of course not."
She continued, "If he had, he'd have returned earlier. But this time, he came back because he thinks you fit the description."
PS: I want to reduce Natsume's feet fetish but the narration doesn't feel right if you remove them.